Carrier for Carrying a Bulky Article

ABSTRACT

A carrier for carrying a bulky article is disclosed. The carrier comprises an elongate body in the form of a webbing assembly having first and second opposing end portions, in which the webbing assembly is adapted to extend along at least a base and at least partly along opposing side wall portions of the bulky article, a handle member disposed at the first end portion of the webbing assembly, and a retaining member disposed at the second end portion of the webbing assembly. The carrier further comprises an aperture located adjacent the retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the handle member is received through the aperture in use to provide a handle for carrying the bulky article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carriers and in particular to a carrier for carrying a bulky article.

The invention has been developed primarily for use by individuals for transporting cartons of beverages to and from a particular destination and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The carrying of bulky articles such as cartons of beverages can be particularly cumbersome given the awkward size and weight of such bulky articles. Oftentimes, the cartons, particularly cardboard cartons, are provided with a handle that is simply a cut-out portion in the cardboard cartons to receive the carrier's fingers therethrough. However, the cardboard is often not particularly thick, which can result in the cardboard tearing under the weight of the cans or bottles within the cartons. To avoid this situation, the user is often forced to carry the cartons by other means such as under one arm or using both hands. These carrying means are again awkward and can restrict the user from performing other necessary functions, particularly when both hands are being used to carry the cartons.

The present invention seeks to provide a carrier for carrying a bulky article, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrier for carrying a bulky article, the carrier comprising:

-   -   a handle member;     -   a retaining member comprising a substantially non-flexible edge,         the handle member and the retaining member cooperating in use to         provide a handle in a closed carrier configuration, and to         provide access to the interior of the carrier in an open carrier         configuration; and     -   a first webbing comprising at least two elongate first webbing         portions laterally spaced apart from each other, the handle         member and the retaining member being located at respective ends         of the first webbing portions, the first webbing being adapted         to extend along at least a base and at least partly along         opposing side wall portions of the bulky article in use, at         least the retaining member defining a gap adapted to receive at         least a portion of the handle member therethrough in the closed         carrier configuration to provide the handle.

Advantageously, access to the interior of the carrier is only possible when the handle is in the open carrier configuration.

Advantageously, the carrier may be carried by a user via the handle when it is in the closed carrier configuration.

Advantageously, the substantially non-flexible edge strengthens the retaining member. Preferably, the gap is defined by the two first webbing portions and the retaining member.

Preferably, the carrier further comprises at least one lateral webbing portion extending between the at least two first webbing portions.

Advantageously, the at least one lateral webbing portion provides additional support to the at least two first webbing portions to support the weight of the bulky article in use.

Advantageously, the at least one lateral webbing portion reduces the risk of the at least two first webbing portions splaying apart under the weight of the bulky article in use.

Preferably, the at least one lateral webbing portion is a plurality of spaced lateral webbing portions.

Preferably, the at least one lateral webbing portion is located generally midway between the handle member and the retaining member.

Preferably, the carrier further comprises a second webbing being attached to the first webbing to provide a retaining means to retain the bulky article in the interior of the carrier in use.

Advantageously, the first and second webbing being attached together define the interior of the carrier for receiving the bulky article in use.

Advantageously, the second webbing reduces the risk of the bulky article falling out of the carrier in use.

Preferably, the second webbing is adapted to peripherally engage the bulky article in a second orientation in use.

Advantageously, the second webbing reduces the risk of the bulky article falling out of the sides of the carrier in use.

Preferably, the first orientation is substantially orthogonal to the second orientation.

Preferably, the second webbing comprises at least one adjustment means to adjust the length of the second webbing relative to the bulky article in use.

Advantageously, the length of the second webbing being adjustable allows the carrier to be adjusted according to the size of the bulky article to be carried in use.

Advantageously, the at least one adjustment means allows the second webbing to be tightened around the bulky article to be carried in use to reduce the risk of the bulky article falling out of the carrier in use.

Preferably, the at least one adjustment means is selected from the set of adjustment means comprising: snap buckle, threaded buckle, hook and loop, and press stud adjustment means.

Advantageously, the at least one adjustment means can be any suitable adjustment means to enable the length of the second webbing member to be adjusted to the size of the bulky article quickly and easily in use.

Preferably, at least a portion of the first webbing is manufactured from a flexible material.

Advantageously, the at least one portion of the at least two first webbing portions being manufactured from a flexible material enables the first webbing portions to fit snugly around the base and the side walls of the bulky article in use.

Preferably, at least a portion of the second webbing is manufactured from a flexible material.

Advantageously, the at least portion of the second webbing being manufactured from a flexible material enables the second webbing to fit snugly around the side walls of the bulky article in use.

Preferably, at least a portion of the second webbing is manufactured from an elastic material.

Advantageously, as the at least portion of the second webbing is elasticised, the second webbing is able to fit snugly around the side walls of the bulky article, thereby reducing the risk of the second webbing coming loose in use.

Preferably, the handle member is substantially rigid.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrier for carrying a bulky article, the carrier comprising:

-   -   an elongate body in the form of a webbing assembly having first         and second opposing end portions, the webbing assembly being         adapted to extend along at least a base and at least partly         along opposing side wall portions of the bulky article;     -   a handle member disposed at the first end portion of the webbing         assembly; and     -   a retaining member disposed at the second end portion of the         webbing assembly, the carrier further comprising an engagement         means adjacent the handle member which engages the retaining         member and/or at least a portion of the webbing assembly         adjacent the retaining member in use.

Advantageously, when the engagement means engages the retaining member and/or at least a portion of the webbing assembly in use, the bulky article is securely held within the carrier by virtue of the webbing assembly engaging the base and side wall portions of the bully article in use.

Advantageously, the carrier is both lightweight and collapsible by virtue of the body being a webbing assembly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrier for carrying a bulky article, the carrier comprising:

-   -   an elongate body in the form of a webbing assembly having first         and second opposing end portions, the webbing assembly being         adapted to extend along at least a base and at least partly         along opposing side wall portions of the bulky article;     -   a handle member disposed at the first end portion of the webbing         assembly; and     -   a retaining member disposed at the second end portion of the         webbing assembly, the carrier further comprising an aperture         located adjacent the retaining member, wherein at least a         portion of the handle member is received through the aperture in         use to provide a handle for carrying the bulky article.

Advantageously, when the at least portion of the handle member is received through the aperture in use, the bulky article is securely held within the carrier by virtue of the webbing assembly engaging the base and side wall portions of the bully article in use.

Advantageously, the carrier is both lightweight and collapsible by virtue of the body being a webbing assembly.

Preferably, the webbing assembly comprises at least two elongate first webbing portions laterally spaced apart from each other.

Advantageously, the weight of the bulky article is distributed between the at least two laterally spaced apart elongate webbing portions.

Advantageously, when the handle member and the retaining member cooperate to provide the handle in use, the at least two first webbing portions peripherally engage the base and the opposing side walls of the bulky article to enable the bulky article to be carried in use.

Preferably, the webbing assembly further comprises at least one lateral webbing portion extending between the at least two first webbing portions.

Advantageously, the at least one lateral webbing portion provides additional support to the at least two first webbing portions to support the weight of the bulky article in use.

Advantageously, the at least one lateral webbing portion reduces the risk of the at least two first webbing portions splaying apart under the weight of the bulky article in use.

Preferably, the at least one lateral webbing portion is located generally midway between the handle member and the retaining member.

Preferably, the at least one lateral webbing portion is a plurality of spaced lateral webbing portions.

Preferably, the webbing assembly further comprises at least one second webbing attached to each of the at least two first webbing portions.

Advantageously, the first webbing and the at least one second webbing being attached together define an interior of the carrier for receiving the bulky article in use.

Advantageously, the at least one second webbing reduces the risk of the bulky article falling out of the carrier in use.

Preferably, the at least one second webbing is adapted to peripherally engage the bulky article in a generally horizontal orientation in use.

Advantageously, the at least one second webbing reduces the risk of the bulky article falling out of the sides of the carrier in use.

Preferably, the at least one second webbing comprises at least one adjustment means to adjust the length of the at least one second webbing relative to the bulky article in use.

Advantageously, the length of the at least one second webbing being adjustable allows the carrier to be adjusted according to the size of the bulky article to be carried in use.

Advantageously, the at least one adjustment means allows the at least one second webbing to be tightened around the bulky article to be carried in use to reduce the risk of the bulky article falling out of the carrier in use.

Preferably, the at least one second webbing comprises first and second end portions, the at least one adjustment means comprising first and second complementary adjustment portions, the first adjustment portion being located at the first end portion of the at least one second webbing, and the complementary second adjustment portion being located at the second end portion of the at least one second webbing.

Preferably, the at least one second webbing comprises engaging means for slidably engaging the at least two first webbing portions in use.

Advantageously, the engaging means enables the at least one second webbing to be selectively positioned around the periphery of the bulky article.

Preferably, the engaging means comprises at least two loop portions, each of the at least two first webbing portions being adapted to extend through a corresponding one of the at least two loop portions in use.

Preferably, the at least one second webbing comprises two elongate second webbing portions each having first and second end portions, the at least one adjustment means comprising two adjustment means, the two second webbing portions being adjustable relative to each other by using the two adjustment means to adjust the length of the at least one second webbing relative to the bulky article.

Preferably, each of the two adjustment means comprises first and second complementary adjustment portions, the first adjustment portion being located at the first end portion of each second webbing portion, and the complementary second adjustment portion being located at the second end portion of each second webbing portion.

Preferably, the at least one adjustment means is selected from the set of adjustment means comprising: snap buckle, threaded buckle, hook and loop, and press stud adjustment means.

Advantageously, the at least one adjustment means can be any suitable adjustment means to enable the length of the at least one second webbing to be adjusted to the size of the bulky article quickly and easily in use.

Preferably, the at least one second webbing comprises two elongate second webbing portions, one of the two second webbing portions being attached to each of the at least two first webbing portions, and the other of the two second webbing portions comprising engaging means for slidably engaging the at least two first webbing portions in use.

Preferably, at least a portion of the webbing assembly is manufactured from a flexible material.

Advantageously, the at least portion of the webbing assembly being manufactured from a flexible material enables the carrier to collapse when not in use.

Preferably, at least a portion of the at least one second webbing is manufactured from a flexible material.

Advantageously, the at least a portion of the at least one second webbing being manufactured from a flexible material enables the length of the at least one second webbing to be adjusted easily using the at least one adjustment means.

Preferably, at least a portion of the at least one second webbing is manufactured from an elastic material.

Advantageously, as the at least portion of the second webbing is elasticised, the second webbing is able to fit snugly around the perimeter of the bulky article, thereby reducing the risk of the second webbing coming loose in use.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a substantially non-flexible edge.

Preferably, the handle member is substantially rigid.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows perspective views of a carrier for carrying a carton in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carrier being shown in (i) an open carrier configuration and (ii) a closed carrier configuration (the carton being shown in dashed outline);

FIG. 2 shows perspective views of a carrier for carrying a carton in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carrier being shown in (i) an open carrier configuration and (ii) a closed carrier configuration (the carton not shown for clarity);

FIG. 3 shows perspective views of a carrier for carrying a carton in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carrier being shown in (i) an open carrier configuration and (ii) a closed carrier configuration (the carton not shown for clarity);

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a carrier for carrying a carton in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carrier being shown in an open carrier configuration;

FIG. 5 shows the retaining member of FIG. 4 taken from (i) a top down view, (ii) a front view, (iii) a cross-sectional side view taken along A-A, (iv) a bottom view; and (v) an end-on view;

FIG. 6 shows the handle member of FIG. 4 taken from (i) a top down view, (ii) a front view, (iii) a cross-sectional side view taken along B-B, (iv) a bottom view; and (v) an end-on view;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a carrier for carrying a carton in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a carrier for carrying a carton in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

As shown in FIG. 1, there is provided a carrier 10 for carrying a bulky article, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bulky article is in the form of a generally rectangular-shaped carton comprising a base, and four side wall portions that extend upwardly from the base and terminate in a top portion (shown in dashed outline in FIG. 1( ii)). In this embodiment, the carton is configured for the purpose of carrying beverages, such as bottles or cans of beer, soft drinks, or the like.

The carrier 10 comprises an elongate body in the form of a webbing assembly 15. The webbing assembly 15 comprises a first webbing 20 that is adapted to peripherally engage the perimeter of the carton in a generally vertical orientation, and a second webbing 60 that is adapted to peripherally engage the perimeter of the carton in a generally horizontal orientation.

The first webbing 20 comprises two elongate webbing straps 20 a, 20 b that are laterally spaced apart from each other. The two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b define a base, generally given reference numeral 50, and first and second opposing end portions 30 and 40 of the carrier 10 that are configured to locate either side of the base 50 in use so as to support the carton when it is being carried within the interior of the carrier 10 in use. The two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b being laterally spaced apart from each other enables the weight of the carton being carried in the carrier 10 to be distributed between the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b in use. The two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b are manufactured from a synthetic webbing material that is flexible, yet suitably durable and highly resilient to prevent the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b from breaking under the weight of the carton, and each webbing strap 20 a, 20 b is of an appropriate width to support the carton in use. In this embodiment, the synthetic material is a polyamide such as nylon. In other embodiments, the synthetic material may include, but is not limited to: polypropylene or polyester.

As shown in FIG. 1, the carrier 10 further comprises a handle member in the form of an elongate rod 35 located at the first end portion 30 of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, and a retaining member in the form of a substantially non-flexible elongate rod 45 located at the second end portion 40 of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b. The rods 35, 45 are attached to the respective end portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b by bonding with a suitable adhesive to form a permanent and secure attachment to prevent the rods 35, 45 separating from the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b when carrying the carton in use. In other embodiments, the rods 35, 45 may be attached to the respective end portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b by any suitable means of attachment, including, but not limited to: stitching or mechanical fasteners such as rivets or screws. The rods 35, 45 are manufactured from a plastic that is lightweight yet sufficiently durable to prevent the rods 35, 45 breaking under the weight of the carton in use. The rods 35, 45 are of a suitable length to maintain the spaced apart relationship between the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b of the first webbing 20.

The second webbing 60 is an elongate webbing strap having two end portions that are configured to be joined together using a complementary adjustment means 70. The adjustment means 70 is in the form of a hook and loop arrangement, in which one end portion of the second webbing 60 comprises the hook portion (not shown), and the other end portion comprises the complementary loop portion (not shown) for meshingly engaging the hook portion in use. In this arrangement, the extent to which the hook portion, the loop portion, or both the hook and loop portions extend along the length of the respective end portion of the second webbing 60 to which the corresponding portion is attached, determines the degree to which the length of the second webbing 60 can be adjusted relative to the size of the carton in use. The length of the second webbing 60 being adjustable allows the second webbing 60 of the carrier 10 to be adjusted quickly and easily according to the size of the carton to be carried in use. In this arrangement, a snug and secure fitting around the carton can be realised in the generally horizontal orientation to prevent the carton falling out of the interior of the carrier 10 in use. The second webbing 60 is manufactured from the same nylon webbing material used to manufacture the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b of the first webbing 20. In other embodiments, the second webbing 60 may be manufactured from an elastomeric material to afford the second webbing 60 with elasticity. The second webbing 60 being manufactured from an elastomeric material enables the second webbing 60 to tighten about the perimeter of the carton in the generally horizontal orientation so as to provide a snug and secure fitting around the carton to prevent the carton from falling out of the carrier 10 in use.

As shown in FIG. 1, the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, which define the base 50 and opposing first and second end portions 30 and 40 of the carrier 10, combine with the second webbing 60 to define an interior of the carrier 10.

The second webbing 60 is attached to the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b of the first webbing 20 at four points of intersection 62, 64, 66, 68 located generally midway between the first end portion 30 and the second end portion 40 of the carrier 10. The locations of the four points of intersection 62, 64, 66, 68 provide an interior of the carrier 10 as being relatively shallow. This shallow depth enables the carton to be easily inserted into the interior of the carrier 10 as well as prevents the carton from easily falling out of the carrier 10 in use.

In this embodiment, the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b and the second 60 webbing are bonded to each other using a suitable adhesive to form a permanent and durable attachment. In other embodiments, the second webbing 60 may be attached to the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b at the four intersection points 62, 64, 66, 68 by other means, including, but not limited to: stitching or mechanical means such as screws or rivets.

As shown in FIG. 1 (i), the rod 45, and the corresponding portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b that extend between the rod 45 and the two points of intersection 62 and 64 with the second webbing 60 together define an aperture, generally given reference numeral 47.

In one example of use, the carrier 10 is placed on a surface (not shown) with the two rods 35, 45 at the first end portion 30 and the second end portion 40, respectively, being disengaged and separated from each other, such that the carrier 10 is in a generally open carrier configuration (see FIG. 1( i)). The carton is then placed into the interior of the carrier 10 as defined by the base 50, the corresponding portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, and the second 60 webbing, such that the carton rests on the base 50. The second webbing 60 is then tightened about the perimeter of the carton in the generally horizontal orientation using the hook and loop adjustment means 70 to provide a snug fit around the carton to prevent it from coming loose in use. The two rods 35, 45 are then raised such that the first and second opposing end portions 30 and 40 of the carrier 10 defined by the webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, engage the corresponding side wall portions of the carton.

The rod 35 is then looped through the aperture 47 on the opposite side of the carton, as defined by the rod 45 and the corresponding portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b to which the rod 45 is attached, thus presenting the rod 35 as a handle for carrying the carrier 10 in use. The rod 35 is then pulled in a generally upwardly orientation relative to the carton such that the manual force applied to the rod 35 as it is pulled through the aperture 47, causes the corresponding portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b associated with the first end portion 30 of the carrier 10 to bear against the rod 45, which in turn, causes the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b to draw tightly around the carton to achieve a closed carrier configuration (see FIG. 1( ii)).

The interlocking engagement of the rods 35, 45 of the first end portion 30 and the second end portion 40 of the carrier 10 in combination with the weight of the carton enables the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b of the first webbing 20 to tighten around the carton thereby providing a means to prevent the carton from easily falling out of the carrier 10 in use.

Access to the interior of the carrier 10 to remove the carton therefrom is provided by virtue of the two rods 35, 45 in the closed carrier configuration being disengaged from one another by passing the rod 35 back through the aperture 47, thereby separating the first end portion 30 of the carrier 10 from the second end portion 40 such that the carrier 10 is returned to the open carrier configuration (see FIG. 1( i)).

The interlocking engagement of the rods 35, 45 of the first end portion 30 and the second end portion 40 of the carrier 10 to provide rod 35 as a single handle by which to carry the carton, reduces fatigue on the user's hand when carrying the carrier 10 in use, as the force acting on the handle, on account of the weight of the carton, is a single force acting in one direction rather than two separate forces that would act in two generally opposing directions to pull the two rods 35, 45 apart, as would be expected if the two rods 35, 45 were being used to carry the carrier 10 without first being interlocked. In addition, the ability to carry the carton in the carrier 10 comfortably with one hand, thereby frees up the user's other hand to allow the user to perform other necessary functions, such as, for example, opening or closing a door (not shown), or using a telephone (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the rod 35 comprises a series of notches cut into one side of the rod 35 such that when the rods 35, 45 are in interlocking engagement in use, the notches of the rod 35 are facing generally downwards toward the carton to provide a handle grip that eases carrying of the carrier 10 and further reduces fatigue on the user's hand in use.

The webbing assembly 15 being manufactured from a flexible synthetic webbing material such as nylon enables the carrier 10 to be collapsible to allow it to be stored easily when not in use.

In another example of use, the carton is placed on a surface (not shown) and the carrier 10 is then placed over the carton such that the first and second end portions 30 and 40 are draped over opposing side wall portions of the carton and the base 50 is located at the top wall portion. The second webbing 60 is then tightened about the perimeter of the carton using the hook and loop adjustment means 70 to provide a snug and secure fit around the carton. The carton together with the webbing assembly 15 are then rolled over 180 degrees such that the base 50 of the carrier 10 is now resting on the surface such that the carton is now effectively located within the interior of the carrier 10. The two rods 35, 45 are then raised and interlockingly engaged as described above to present rod 35 as the handle for carrying the carton in use.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, and the second webbing 60 are not limited to being manufactured from a flexible synthetic material, but may instead be manufactured from a flexible natural material including, but not limited to: leather, a natural fibre such as bamboo, hemp, jute, sisal, a fabric such as cotton, corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the carrier 10 is not limited to carrying cartons as described above, but may instead be used for carrying other types of large bulky articles such as, for example, a box or boxes (not shown).

In other embodiments, the first webbing of the webbing assembly 15 may simply be a continuous webbing loop (not shown) defining the base, and first and second end portions located either side of the base. In this arrangement, the first webbing being a continuous webbing loop defines natural handle loops at each of the first and second end portions, such that when the carton is placed on the base and the first and second end portions of the first webbing are raised and wrapped around the carton in use, the handle loop at the first end portion can be passed through the aperture defined by the handle loop at the second end portion to provide an interlocking engagement of the first and second handle loops in a closed carrier configuration, with the handle loop at the first end portion of the carrier being presented as the handle for carrying the carrier in use.

In other embodiments, the rods 35, 45 are not limited to being manufactured from plastic, but may instead be manufactured from any suitable lightweight and durable material including, but not limited to, materials such as: metal, cardboard, wood, bamboo, composite or synthetic materials.

In other embodiments, the four points of intersection 62, 64, 66, 68 formed between the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b and the second webbing 60 are not limited to being located as described above so as to provide the carrier 10 with a shallow interior. For example, the second webbing 60 may be attached to the two webbing straps 20, 20 b of the first webbing 20 at points of intersection that are located generally midway between the base 50 and the corresponding rod 35, 45. In this arrangement, the interior of the carrier (not shown) defined by the base 50 and the second 60 webbing will be deeper than that shown in FIG. 1, thereby providing additional support for the carton to prevent it from falling out of the carrier 10 in use.

In other embodiments, the adjustment means 70 may be any suitable adjustment means for adjusting the length of the second webbing 60 relative to the size of the carton, including, but not limited to, an adjustment means selected from the set of adjustment means comprising: snap buckle, threaded buckle, and press stud adjustment means. In each of these complementary arrangements, one portion of the adjustment means is attached to one of the respective end portions of the second webbing 60 and the complementary portion of the adjustment means is attached to the other of the respective end portions of the second webbing 60 for engaging the first portion of the adjustment means.

In other embodiments, there may be more than one adjustment means (not shown) on the second webbing 60 to adjust the length of the second webbing 60.

In other embodiments, the first webbing 20 may also comprise one or more adjustment means (not shown) to adjust the length of the first webbing 20.

In other embodiments, the first webbing 20 and the second webbing 60 are not limited to being solely manufactured from a flexible material like nylon, such that only a portion (not shown) or portions (not shown) of the first webbing 20 and the second webbing 60 need to be manufactured from a flexible material to ensure that the carrier 10 is still able to collapse to a desirable degree for the purposes of storage.

In other embodiments, the second webbing 60 is not limited to being manufactured from nylon, such that at least a portion (not shown) of the second webbing 60 may be manufactured from an elastic material. In this arrangement, the at least portion of the second webbing 60 being elasticised enables the second webbing 60, to fit snugly around the perimeter of the carton, thereby reducing the risk of the second webbing 60 coming loose in use. Such elastic materials may include, but is not limited to: natural rubber or a synthetic rubber. It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the second webbing 60, or at least a portion thereof, is elasticised, there may be little or no requirement for the use of an adjustment means 70 to adjust the length of the second webbing 60.

In other embodiments, the rod 35 is not limited to comprising the series of notches disposed along one side of the rod 35 as described above for the purpose of providing a handle grip. In one example, the rod 35 may simply comprise no handle grip. In another example, the rod (not shown) may be generally U-shaped so as to define a more ergonomic handle for a user to carry.

In other embodiments, the webbing assembly 15 of the carrier 10 may simply comprise two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b to define the base 50 and opposing first and second end portions 30 and 40 of the carrier 10, and rods 35 and 45 located at respective end portions of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, with no second webbing 60.

As shown in FIG. 2, there is provided a carrier 100 for carrying the carton (not shown) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the carrier 100 comprises an elongate body in the form of a panel assembly 115.

The panel assembly 115 comprises a first panel member that is adapted to peripherally engage the perimeter of the carton in a generally vertical orientation, and a second panel member that is adapted to peripherally engage the perimeter of the carton in a generally horizontal orientation.

The first panel member defines a generally rectangular shaped base, generally given reference numeral 150, and first and second opposing end portions 130 and 140 in the form of two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b located either side of the base 150. The two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b are each generally rectangular in shape and comprise a top edge portion, an opposing bottom edge portion, and opposing first and second side edge portions. Each of the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b is attached to the base 150 along their respective bottom edge portions. The base 150 and the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b are each of a width that corresponds generally to the width of the carton to be carried within the carrier 100 in use.

The second panel member comprises two generally rectangular shaped second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b, each comprising a top edge portion, an opposing bottom edge portion, and two first and second side edge portions. The second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b are attached via their respective bottom edge portions to the base 150, and via their respective side edge portions to a corresponding side edge portion of each of the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b.

The base 150, the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, and the second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b, together define the interior of the carrier 100 for receiving and supporting the carton therein in use.

The second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b are each of a particular height such that the interior of the carrier 100 is relatively shallow with respect to the size of the carton to be received therein. In this arrangement, the height of the second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b from the base 150 is sufficient to allow the first and second portions 130 and 140 of the carrier 100 to be separated sufficiently wide enough to enable the carton to be easily inserted into or removed from the interior of the carrier 100, yet high enough to retain the carton within the interior of the carrier 100 when the carton is being carried in use.

The base 150, the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, and the two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b, are each manufactured from a synthetic material that is flexible, yet suitably durable and highly resilient to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the carton, but sufficiently light in weight to ease carrying of the carton in use. In this embodiment, the synthetic material is a polyamide such as nylon. In other embodiments, the synthetic material may include, but is not limited to: polypropylene or polyester. The use of nylon as a material ensures that the base 150, the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, and the two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b are suitably flexible to enable the carrier 100 to collapse when not in use. The size of the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b and the two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b is large enough to provide companies associated with, for example, producing, selling, or distributing the cartons, sufficient surface area to be used as advertising space for advertising their products.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b comprises at its respective top edge portion, a looped portion 148 and 138. In this embodiment, the looped portions 148 and 138 are formed by folding the terminal end of the corresponding top edge portion of the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b over and affixing the terminal end to the top edge portion using a suitable means of attachment, such as stitching, bonding with a suitable adhesive, or by mechanical means such as screws or rivets.

The carrier 100 further comprises a handle member in the form of a handle portion 132 located at the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 b. The handle portion 132 is integral with the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 b and is manufactured from the same nylon material. The handle portion 132 extends outwardly from the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 b and is located generally midway between the respective side edge portions of the first opposing wall 120 b. The handle portion 132 comprises a looped portion (not shown) at its terminal end that is adapted to receive a generally curved handle 135 therethrough. The handle 135 is manufactured from a plastic that is lightweight yet sufficiently durable to prevent the handle 135 breaking under the weight of the carton in use.

The carrier 100 further comprises a retaining member in the form of a substantially non-flexible elongate rod 147 that is received substantially within the looped portion 148 at the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 a. The rod 147 extends the full width of the top edge portion so as to reinforce the entire top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 a.

The looped portion 138 located at the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 b is also adapted to receive an elongate rod 137 substantially therethrough. The rod 137 is similarly substantially non-flexible and extends the full width of the top edge portion to reinforce the entire top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 b.

The carrier 100 further comprises a generally rectangular shaped aperture 145 that extends substantially through the first opposing wall 120 a from a front surface to an external surface of the first opposing wall 120 a. The aperture 145 is located at the first opposing wall 120 a generally midway between the respective side edge portions of the first opposing wall 120 a and generally inwardly from the top edge portion, such that the aperture 145 is located generally adjacent to the rod 147. The aperture 145 has a width that corresponds generally to the width of the handle portion 132.

In use, the carrier 100 is placed on a surface with the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, being substantially separated from each other, such that the carrier 100 is in a generally open carrier configuration (see FIG. 2( i)) to enable access to the interior of the carrier 100. The carton is then placed within the interior of the carrier 100, as defined by the base 150, the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, and the two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b, such that the carton rests on the base 150. The two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b are then raised such that the first and second opposing end portions 130 and 140 of the carrier 100, as defined by the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, engage opposing side wall portions of the carton.

The handle 135 and handle portion 132 located at the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 b are then received substantially through, the aperture 145 located at the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 a in use, thus presenting the handle 135 as a handle for carrying the carrier 100. The handle 135 is then pulled in a generally upwardly orientation relative to the carton. The manual force applied to the handle 135 as it is pulled through the aperture 145, causes the handle portion 132 to bear against the elongate rod 147 at the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 a, which in turn causes the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b to be brought together tighter against the opposing side wall portions of the carton, thereby achieving a closed carrier configuration (see FIG. 2( ii)).

The interlocking of the handle 135 and handle portion 132 with the aperture 145, in combination with the weight of the carton, enables the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b to tighten around the carton thereby helping to prevent the carton from falling out of the carrier 100 in use. The presentation of the handle 135 as a single handle by which to carry the carton, reduces fatigue on the user's hand as the force acting on the handle 135, on account of the weight of the carton, is a single force rather than two separate forces as would be expected if the handle 135 and handle portion 132 and the aperture 145 were being used to carry the carrier 100 without first being interlocked.

In addition, the weight associated with the carton when received substantially within the interior of the carrier 100, is distributed along the length of the substantially non-flexible rod 147, thereby protecting the top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 a from becoming damaged by the handle 135 and handle portion 132 acting on the aperture 145 in the closed carrier configuration in use.

In other embodiments, the two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b are not limited to being attached to the base 150 as described above, but may instead be attached at points of intersection located further along the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, generally closer towards the corresponding top edge portions of the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b. In this arrangement, the interior of the carrier (not shown), as defined by the base 150, the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, and the two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b, will be deeper than the interior of the carrier 100 shown in FIG. 2.

In other embodiments, it may not be necessary to reinforce the entire top edge portion of the first opposing wall 120 a, such that only a portion of the top edge portion of the first opposing Wall 120 a, such as, for example, the portion that is located generally at the aperture 145, is reinforced with the rod 147. In this arrangement, the rod 147 is generally shorter in length than the width of the first opposing wall 120 a, as defined by the distance between the two side edge portions of the first opposing wall 120 a.

As shown in FIG. 3, there is provided a carrier 200 for carrying the carton according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 200 comprises the same base 150, the same two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b, and the same two second opposing walls 160 a, 160 b as described for carrier 100, but in this embodiment, the first opposing wall 120 b of the carrier 200 comprises a handle member in the form of a generally rectangular shaped aperture 235, as opposed to the handle portion 132 and handle 135 described above for the carrier 100.

The aperture 235 extends substantially through the first opposing wall 120 b from a front surface to an external surface of the first opposing wall 120 b. The aperture 235 is similarly located to that described for the aperture 145 in the first opposing wall 120 a, namely, generally midway between the respective side edge portions of the first opposing wall 120 b and generally inwardly from the top edge portion. In this arrangement, the aperture 235 is located generally adjacent to the rod 137.

The two handle apertures 235, 145 are of a suitable size to enable a user to comfortably insert the fingers of one hand through the two handle apertures 235, 145 in use.

In one example of use, the two first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b are raised such that the first opposing walls 120 a, 120 b engage opposing side wall portions of the carton to support the carton within the interior of the carrier 200. The two handle apertures 235, 145 are then brought together such that the handle apertures 235, 145 are located adjacent one another in use to provide a handle for a user to grip when carrying the carrier 200 in a closed carrier configuration (see FIG. 3 (ii)). In this arrangement, the handle, as defined by the adjacently located handle apertures 235, 145, enables a user to carry the carrier 200 with one hand. The weight of the carton acting on the handle apertures 235, 145 in use is distributed along the respective lengths of the substantially non-flexible rods 137, 147, thereby preventing the handle apertures 235, 145 distorting under the weight of the carton and making it uncomfortable for the user to carry the carton.

As shown in FIG. 4, there is provided a carrier 300 for carrying the carton (not shown) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 300 is generally similar to carrier 10 described above (see FIG. 1), but in this embodiment, the webbing assembly 315 comprises second webbing 360 that is provided in the form of five separate elongate webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e, each having first and second end portions.

As shown in FIG. 4, the webbing assembly 315 comprises a first webbing 320 having two elongate webbing straps 320 a, 320 b that are laterally spaced apart from each other. The two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b define a base, generally given reference numeral 350, and first and second opposing end portions 330 and 340 of the carrier 300 located either side of the base 350 to support the carton when carrying the carton in use.

The carrier 300 comprises a handle portion 335 and a retaining member 345 located at the respective first and second end portions 330 and 340 of the carrier 300. The retaining portion 345 and the handle portion 335 are both generally U-shaped when viewed front the front (see FIG. 5( ii) and FIG. 6( ii)), with the retaining portion 345 being slightly longer in length than the handle portion 335.

As shown in FIG. 5, the retaining portion 345 comprises first and second end portions 345 a and 345 b, each being configured for attaching to a corresponding one of the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320. Each end portion 345 a and 345 b comprises a corresponding aperture 345 e and 345 f through which the corresponding webbing strap 320 a and 320 b is received. Once through the aperture 345 e and 345 f, the corresponding webbing strap 320 a and 320 b is then stitched, bonded or riveted to itself to provide a permanent and durable attachment. Located adjacent to each of the first and second end portions 345 a and 345 b of the retaining portion 345 is a corresponding recess 345 c and 345 d.

As shown in FIG. 6, the handle portion 335 comprises first and second end portions 335 a and 335 b, each being configured for attaching to a corresponding one of the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320. Each end portion 335 a and 335 b comprises a corresponding aperture 335 c and 335 d through which the corresponding webbing strap 320 a and 320 b is received. Once through the aperture 335 c and 335 d, the corresponding webbing strap 320 a and 320 b is then stitched, bonded or riveted to itself to provide a permanent and durable attachment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 are attached at their respective first and second end portions to the two elongate webbing straps 320 a and 320 b of the first webbing 320, generally midway between the handle portion 335 and the retaining portion 345. The five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 are attached to the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320 at their two respective points of intersection, namely, 362 a and 364 a, 362 b and 364 b, 362 c and 364 c, 362 d and 364 d, and 362 e and 364 e, either by stitching, bonding using a suitable adhesive, or riveting, so as to form a permanent and durable attachment.

The five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 are generally orthogonally oriented relative to the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320, and arranged in a spaced apart arrangement. The three central webbing straps 360 b, 360 c and 360 d of the second webbing 360, combined with corresponding web portions 325 a and 325 b of the two webbing straps 320 a and 320 b of the first webbing 320 located between the points of intersection 362 b and 362 d, and 364 b and 364 d, respectively, provide the base for the carrier 300, generally given reference numeral 350. It will be appreciated however, that the respective positions of the five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 relative to the carton in use will largely depend on the size of the carton being carried within the interior of the carrier 300. As such, for smaller cartons, the base 350 may comprise less than three of the second webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e. Conversely, for larger cartons, the base 350 may comprise four or five of the second webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e.

In one example of use, the carrier 300 is placed on a surface with the handle portion 335 and the retaining portion 345 being disengaged and separated from each other, such that the carrier 300 is in the open carrier configuration (see FIG. 3). The carton is then placed into the interior of the carrier 300, such that the carton rests on the base 350. In this arrangement, the two web portions 325 a and 325 b of the two webbing straps 320 a and 320 b of the first webbing 320 and the three central webbing straps 360 b, 360 c and 360 d of the second webbing 360 engage an underside of the carton. When the handle portion 335 and the retaining portion 345 are raised relative to the carton, the two webbing straps 360 a and 360 e located either side of the three central webbing straps 360 b, 360 c and 360 d, each engage a corresponding side wall portion of the carton in the generally horizontal orientation.

In this arrangement, when the handle portion 335 is looped through the aperture 347 on the opposite side of the carton, as defined by the retaining portion 345 and the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b to which the retaining portion 345 is attached, each recess 345 c and 345 d of the retaining portion 345 engages a corresponding one of the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b to which the handle portion 335 is attached, as tension is applied to the handle portion 335. The recesses 345 c and 345 d help to maintain the laterally spaced apart relationship of the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320.

The five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 being attached to the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320 prevent the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b from substantially splaying apart from one another under the weight of the carton as it is being carried, thereby retaining the carton within the interior of the carrier 300 in use.

The two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320, and the five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 are all ideally manufactured from the same nylon webbing material used in the manufacture of the first webbing 20 and second webbing 60 described for the carrier 10 above.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the two webbing straps 320 a, 320 b of the first webbing 320, and the five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of the second webbing 360 may be manufactured from other flexible, yet durable and highly resilient materials including, but not limited to: polypropylene or polyester.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, and the second webbing 60 are not limited to being manufactured from a flexible synthetic material, but may instead be manufactured from a flexible natural material including, but not limited to: leather, a natural fibre such as bamboo, hemp, jute, sisal, a fabric such as cotton, corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the second webbing 360 is not limited to comprising the five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e as described above, but may instead, comprise more or less than five webbing straps, as desired to prevent the two webbing straps 320 a and 320 b from splaying apart under the weight of the carton in use.

In other embodiments, the carrier 300 may comprise additional second webbing (not shown) to complement the existing five webbing straps 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d, and 360 e of second webbing 360. In one example, the additional second webbing (not shown) is an elongate webbing strap having end portions that can be joined together in use using an adjustment means. In another example, the additional second webbing (not shown) is a continuous webbing loop. In both examples, the additional second webbing is attached to the webbing straps 320 a and 320 b of the first webbing 320 at at least two points of intersection.

As shown in FIG. 7, there is provided a carrier 400 for carrying the carton (not shown) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 400 is similar to carrier 10, but in this embodiment, the webbing assembly 415 comprises a second webbing 460 that is provided in the form of a continuous webbing loop that is attached to each of the two webbing straps 420 a and 420 b of the first webbing 420 at only two points of intersection, namely 462 and 464, as opposed to four points of intersection as described for carrier 10 above. The two points of intersection 462 and 464 are located generally closer to the handle portion 435 as opposed to the retaining portion 445 of the carrier 400. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the two points of intersection 462 and 464 could equally be located generally closer to the retaining portion 445 as opposed to the handle portion 435 of the carrier 400.

Similar to carrier 10, the webbing assembly 415 of the carrier 400 comprises a first webbing 420 that is adapted to peripherally engage the perimeter of the carton in a generally vertical orientation. The first webbing 420 provides a base, generally given reference numeral 450, and opposing first and second opposing end portions 430 and 440 to support the carton when carrying it in use. The second webbing 460 is adapted to peripherally engage the perimeter of the carton in a generally horizontal orientation, to provide a retaining means to retain the carton within the interior of the carrier 400 in use. The second webbing 460 is manufactured from an elastomeric material to afford the second webbing 460 with elasticity.

In the same manner as described above for carrier 10, when the carrier 400 is placed on a surface with the handle portion 435 at the first end portion 430 of the carrier 400 and the retaining portion 445 at the second end portion 440 of the carrier 400 being disengaged and separated from each other, the carrier 400 is in an open carrier configuration. The carton is then placed onto the base 450, and the second webbing 460 is looped around the perimeter of the carton in the generally horizontal orientation. The second webbing 460 being manufactured from an elastomeric material enables the second webbing 460 to tighten about the perimeter of the carton to provide a snug and secure fit around the carton to prevent the carton from falling out of the carrier 400 in use. The handle portion 435 and the retaining portion 445 are then raised and interlockingly engaged by passing the handle portion 435 through the aperture 447 on the opposite side of the carton, as defined by the retaining portion 445 and the two webbing straps 420 a, 420 b to which the retaining portion 445 is attached to achieve a closed carrier configuration, thereby providing the handle portion 435 as the handle by which to carry the carton in use.

In an alternative arrangement, the second webbing 460 can be looped around the perimeter of the carton in the generally horizontal orientation after the handle portion 435 and the retaining portion 445 have been raised around the side wall portions of the carton and interlockingly engaged. In this arrangement, the second webbing 460 overlaps the two webbing straps 420 a, 420 b of the first webbing 420 and draws them inwardly towards the corresponding side of the carton so as to provide a more snug and secure fit around the perimeter of the carton within the interior of the carrier 400 in use.

In both arrangements, the position of the elasticized second webbing 460 relative to the carton within the interior of the carrier 400 can be adjusted by virtue of it being attached to only one of the first and second end portions 430 and 440 of the webbing assembly 415. As such, the possibility of the second webbing 460 being positioned higher on one side of the carton than on the other can be avoided.

In other embodiments, the second webbing 460 is not limited to being a continuous webbing loop manufactured from an elastic material as described above, but may instead be an elongate second webbing (not shown) having first and second end portions and comprising an adjustment means located at the first and second end portions to allow the length of the second webbing to be adjusted as desired. In one example, the adjustment means comprises complementary first and second adjustment portions such as hook and loop portions, in which the hook portion is located at one end portion of the second webbing and the loop portion is located at the other end portion of the second webbing. The second webbing being adjustable in length ensures that the second webbing is not limited to being manufactured from an elastomeric material in order to achieve a snug and secure fit around the carton in the generally horizontal orientation in use.

As shown in FIG. 8, there is provided a carrier 500 for carrying the carton (not shown) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 500 is similar to carrier 400 described above, but in this embodiment, the webbing assembly 515 comprises a second webbing 560 that is provided in the form of two separate elongate webbing straps 560 a and 560 b, as opposed to a continuous webbing loop. The webbing assembly 515 comprises first webbing 520 provides a base, generally given reference numeral 550, and opposing first and second opposing end portions 530 and 540 to support the carton when carrying it in use.

Each of the two webbing straps 560 a and 560 b of the second webbing 560 comprises first and second end portions, A first of the two webbing straps 560 a of the second webbing 560 is attached to each of the two webbing straps 520 a and 520 b of the first webbing 520 at two points of intersection 562 and 564. The two points of intersection 562 and 564 are located generally closer to the handle portion 535 at the second end portion 540 of the carrier 500 as opposed to the retaining portion 545 at the first end portion 530 of the carrier 500. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the two points of intersection 562 and 564 could equally be located generally closer to the retaining portion 545 of the carrier 500.

A second of the two webbing straps 560 b comprises engaging means in the form of two loop portions 565 a and 565 b that are each configured to receive therethrough a corresponding one of the two webbing straps 520 a and 520 b of the first webbing 520. In this arrangement, the second webbing strap 560 b can slide up and down the length of the two webbing straps 520 a and 520 b of the first webbing 520 at the second end portion 540 of the carrier 500.

The second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b are releasably couplable together by virtue of adjustment means located at their respective first and second end portions. In this embodiment, the adjustment means is in the form of two hook and loop adjustment means 570 a and 570 b (such as that sold commercially under the brand name VELCRO™) located at the first and second end portions of the second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b. In this arrangement, the length of the second webbing 560 around the carton in the generally horizontal orientation can be adjusted by virtue of the releasable coupling between the two second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b to achieve a snug and secure fit around the carton in use. This arrangement is particularly beneficial when the carrier 500 is to be used for carrying cartons of different sizes.

In one example of use, the carton is placed onto the base 550 of the carrier 500, and then the coupled first and second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b of the second webbing 560 is looped around the perimeter of the carton in the generally horizontal orientation. The second webbing 560 is then tightened around the perimeter of the carton by using one or both of the hook and loop adjustment means 570 a and 570 b to adjust the releasable coupling between the two second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b to achieve a snug and secure fit around the carton in use. The handle portion 535 and the retaining portion 545 are then raised and interlockingly engaged by passing the handle portion 535 through the aperture 547 on the opposite side of the carton, as defined by the retaining portion 545 and the two webbing straps 520 a, 520 b to which the retaining portion 545 is attached. The handle portion 535 as the handle is then raised to cause the two webbing straps 520 a, 520 b to tighten around the side wall portions of the carton in the generally vertical orientation to achieve a closed carrier configuration.

The position of the coupled first and second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b relative to the carton within the interior of the carrier 500 in the closed carrier configuration can be adjusted by virtue of the second webbing strap 560 b being able to slide up and down the length of the two webbing straps 520 a, 520 b at the second end portion 540 of the carrier 500 by virtue of the two loop portions 565 a and 565 b. In this arrangement, the possibility of one the two second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b being positioned higher relative to the carton than the other of the two second webbing straps 560 a and 560 b can be avoided.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the adjustment means is not limited to hook and loop adjustment means as described above, but may instead be other forms of complementary adjustment means including, but not limited to: press stud adjustment means, snap buckle adjustment means, and threaded buckle adjustment means.

In other embodiments, the carrier 10 may further comprise an engagement means in the form of, for example, two hooks (not, shown) for hooking to rod 45 in use. In this arrangement, each hook is attached to a corresponding one of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b of the first webbing 20 at the first end portion 30 of the carrier 10, at a location generally between the rod 35 and the corresponding point of intersection 68 and 66 between the two first webbing straps 20 a, 20 b and the second webbing 60. The hooking portion of each of the two hooks is oriented generally upwardly towards the rod 35.

In use, when the carton is placed within the interior of the carrier 10, and the two rods 35, 45 are raised such that the first and second opposing end portions 30 and 40 of the carrier 10 defined by the webbing straps 20 a, 20 b, engage the corresponding side wall portions of the carton, the two hooks are presented on the first webbing straps 20 a, 20 b at the first end portion 30 to engage and support the rod 45 therein. In this arrangement, the rod 35 is still presented as the handle by which to carry the carton within the interior of the carrier 10. It will be appreciated that the location of the two hooks on the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b dictates the tightness of the first webbing straps 20 a, 20 b around the carton in the generally vertical orientation. For example, the hooks being located closer to the two points of intersection 66 and 68 will provide a tighter and more secure fitting around the carton in use.

In an alternative embodiment, the two hooks may be used to engage and support a portion of the two webbing straps 20 a, 20 b at the second end portion 40 of the carrier 10 rather than rod 45 itself.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to breweries and to the beverage retail and wholesale industry. 

1.-34. (canceled)
 35. A carrier apparatus for carrying a packing carton, the apparatus comprising: an elongate substantially non-flexible handle member having a first end and a second end; an elongate substantially non-flexible retaining member having a first end and a second end; and a first webbing portion and a second webbing portion; the first webbing portion having ends respectively coupled proximal to the first end of the handle member and proximal to the first end of the retaining member; the second webbing portion having ends respectively coupled proximal to the second end of the handle member and proximal to the second end of the retaining member; such that the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are laterally spaced apart; the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are substantially of equal length; wherein, the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are coupled to the retaining member to define a gap for receiving the handle member there through, such that the retaining member abuts both the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion proximal the handle member to define a closed carrier configuration.
 36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein a length of the retaining member is greater than a length of the handle member.
 37. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the retaining member defines a first recess and a second recess, each located in a gap defined by the respective coupling of the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; the first recess being adjacent the first webbing portion; and the second recess being adjacent the second webbing portion.
 38. The apparatus according to claim 35, the apparatus including one or more support straps coupled between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion.
 39. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are spaced wider apart where coupled to the retaining member than where coupled to the handle member.
 40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the retaining member defines a first recess and a second recess located in a gap defined by the respective coupling of the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; the first recess being adjacent the first webbing portion; and the second recess being adjacent the second webbing portion.
 41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein spacing of the first recess and the second recess substantially confirms to the spacing of the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion proximal the handle member.
 42. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the handle member, the first webbing portion, the retaining member and the second webbing portion define an isosceles trapezoid when in an open planar configuration.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein in the closed carrier configuration, the first webbing portion is received by the first recess and the second webbing portion is received by the second recess.
 44. The apparatus according to claim 40, the apparatus including one or more support straps coupled between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion.
 45. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the handle member, the first webbing portion, the retaining member define an isosceles trapezoid when in an open planar configuration.
 46. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the handle member and the retaining member are substantially parallel when in an open planar configuration.
 47. The apparatus according to claim 35, the apparatus including one or more support straps coupled between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; wherein the one or more support straps limit lateral spacing between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion when in the closed carrier configuration.
 48. The apparatus according to claim 35, the apparatus including one or more support straps coupled between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; wherein the one or more support straps are located about a respective midpoint of the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion.
 49. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the handle member is generally U-shaped for defining a handle when used in the closed carrier configuration.
 50. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the handle member has a first through aperture for enabling coupling of the first webbing portion and a second through aperture for enabling coupling of the second webbing portion.
 51. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the retaining member has a first through aperture for enabling coupling of the first webbing portion and a second through aperture for enabling coupling of the second webbing portion.
 52. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein with the apparatus in the closed carrier configuration around the packing carton, tension can be applied to the handle to tighten the apparatus around the packing carton, and then lift the packing carton with the retaining element bearing against the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion proximal the handle member.
 53. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the handle member and the retaining member are formed from plastics.
 54. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion may include nylon webbing material or polypropylene webbing material.
 55. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are formed from a material selected from leather, bamboo fibre, hemp fibre, jute fibre, cotton fibre.
 56. A carrier apparatus for carrying a packing carton, the apparatus comprising: an elongate substantially non-flexible handle member having a first end and a second end; an elongate substantially non-flexible retaining member having a first end and a second end; a first flexible webbing portion and a second flexible webbing portion; the first webbing portion having ends respectively coupled proximal to the first end of the handle member and proximal to the first end of the retaining member; the second webbing portion having ends respectively coupled proximal to the second end of the handle member and proximal to the second end of the retaining member; such that the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are laterally spaced apart; the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are substantially of equal length; wherein the handle member and the retaining member are substantially parallel when in an open planar configuration; wherein the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are spaced wider apart where coupled to the retaining member than where coupled to the handle member; such that the handle member, the first webbing portion, the retaining member and the second webbing portion define an isosceles trapezoid when in the open planar configuration; and one or more cross support straps coupled between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; wherein the one or more support straps limit lateral spacing between the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; wherein, the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion are coupled to the retaining member to define a gap for receiving the handle member there through, such that the retaining member abuts both the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion proximal the handle member to define a closed carrier configuration; wherein the retaining member defines a first recess and a second recess located in the gap defined by the respective coupling of the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion; the first recess being adjacent the first webbing portion; and the second recess being adjacent the second webbing portion; and wherein spacing of the first recess and the second recess substantially confirms to the spacing of the first webbing portion and the second webbing portion where coupled to the retaining member; such that, in the closed carrier configuration, the first webbing portion is received by the first recess and the second webbing portion is received by the second recess. 